Above All Else / Culpability Crossover
Ben was greeted by a waft of delicious smell as he walked through the door. He could hear pots and pans banging in the kitchen and if he didn’t think too hard it felt like 5 years ago walking through the door after baseball practise like any other day. But it wasn’t so he called out.
“Francine!” He smirked as he said it.
“Fuck you Benjamin!” A sweet voice called back.
Ben laughed as he entered the kitchen and found dirty dishes covering almost every surface, “holy shit Frankie I told you it was just a simple dinner,” he rubbed his face across his forehead.
“Well you wouldn’t tell me who it was,” she explained continuing to stir what ever amazing smelling sauce was on the stove, “and when I get nervous I cook.”
Ben shook his head a smile on his face, “well I guess the least I can do is clean up this mess of a house,” Ben got to work.
What seemed like half an hour later the doorbell rang and Frankie called from the kitchen, “Ben can you get it I’m just finishing putting the pasta in the bowl.”
“Sure thing,” the brother calls back to his sister as he makes it to the door just as the bell rings again.
Ben throws the door open to be greeted by the smile of his best friend, “Ben dude how’s it going?” Dylan Larsen asks him as he steps inside followed by a shorter blonde girl.
“Pretty good she’s been busy in there all day,” Ben laughed as he closed the door behind the pair, “and who’s this?”
“Don’t tell me your forgot my sister Bianca while you were gone…” Dylan paused looking over at his sister, “touring the country with your boy band.”
Ben glared at his friends attempted cover, “yes it was really crazy,” he shook his head leading them into the dining room where Bianca handed him a container of fresh made cookies her Mom must have sent over, “you should have seen all the bras that were thrown at us.”
Dylan cringed as Ben laughed at his friends awkwardness, “do you want a beer man? Got some cold ones in the fridge,” Ben headed for the kitchen.
As the walked in Frankie was just walking out and slammed right into Bianca with the bowl containing the pasta. Chicken Alfredo and mushrooms went flying all over the two girls. Frankie grumbled as she bent down to pick up the bowl, while Bianca stood there shocked at the hot meal all over her. Frankie looked up and caught her eye.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Frankie smiled at the look of the girl covered in sauce, “although that sight does kind of make this whole thing a little better.”
Dylan and Ben were standing behind the girls drinking their beer, “is that little Francine?” Dylan laughed at the girl who’d definitely grown up from what he could see from behind.
Frankie turned towards him glare set in when Dylan recognized her and his eyes got big, “most people call me Frankie now,” she smiled knowing full well where he’d seen her last.
Bianca definitely didn’t miss the look but just figured Dylan knew the girl’s horrible reputation, “why don’t you two get cleaned up and I’ll order pizza?” Ben suggested knowing better than to laugh at his sister as she’d just get him back later, but he was curious about Dylan still watching her walk away.
“Are you coming?” Frankie looked back at the still messy Bianca.
“My clothes are wrecked,” she whined from where she was standing.
“I’m sure you can borrow something of Frankie’s,” Ben suggested.
The look Bianca gave him chilled him to the soul, “I’m not putting anything of her’s on my body. I might catch something.”
Ben watched his sister’s shoulders stiffen but her smile never left, “I’m sure you could borrow something of Ben’s,” Dylan broke in sending his sister a scathing look.
“Sure thing follow me,” Bianca followed Ben while Frankie headed to what Dylan assumed was her room.
It wasn’t long and Ben was back, “any preference on pizza?” He asked as he dialled but Dylan just shook his head.
Pizza order Dylan cleared his throat, “so how’s adjusting to life going?” He asked taking a long sip of his beer.
“Obviously have a few things to work out,” Ben was staring at a spot on the floor where Dylan had tried to clean up the mess.
“Yeah about that…” Dylan tried to start.
“I don’t want details on what she’s been up to,” Ben stopped him, “I’m gonna sort it out and it’s gonna stop.”
Dylan nodded, “I didn’t know she was your sister Ben, I’m sorry I would have looked out for her more if I’d known,” he looked over to see a deep frown on his friends face.
“Lots of things we all should’ve done differently,” he mumbled back.
Before Dylan could say more they heard a commotion coming from the other end of the house.
“GET THE FUCK OUT!” Frankie was shouting.
“Shit!” Ben swore as he ripped around the corner to find Frankie standing in a bedroom trying to shove Bianca into the hallway while the other girl looked on bewildered.
“Do you know what get out means?” Frankie’s voice was laced with venom.
“I don’t know what the hell your problem is I was just changing,” Bianca was super confused now.
“Hey Frankie,” Ben tried to get her attention and her blue eyes snapped up to his, “I told her to change in here. I’m sorry I didn’t think. My room was a mess.”
“Nobody is supposed to be in here,” Frankie sounded far off as she gently ran her hand along the perfectly made bed.
Dylan looked around the room and realized they must be in the master bedroom. He didn’t get what was going on.
“I’m sure I won’t mess anything up,” Bianca said defiantly, “I’ll be out before your Mom can catch me in here.”
Bianca didn’t get the big deal it wasn’t like their Mom was home right now. Suddenly she looked up to see Frankie launching herself at Bianca. Bianca threw her arms up across her face as she felt Frankie’s sharp nails dig in. It didn’t last long and Ben was pulling her off of the other girl.
“Frankie!” Ben scolded the girl who was mumbling under her breath while still glaring at the blonde.
Dylan was just standing there shocked at the outburst, then he started to think he couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Ms. Connelly, “Ben?” He started to ask but the glare his friend sent him shut him up.
Before the tension could get any more unbearable the doorbell rang signalling the pizza being delivered. Dylan made a bee line for the front door, paying the delivery guy and even tipping him. He turned around to find Frankie right behind him.
Dylan wanted to push her away as she started to play with one of his belt loops before he heard someone coming and she stepped away quickly. Ben and Bianca came from the back Bianca in a baggy t-shirt and Ben’s sweatpants.
“So pizza?” Dylan offered lamely.
The rest of the night was spent eating pizza in front of a cheesy horror movie in the living room while the girls sent glares back and forth. Ben was sure there was questions coming from his friend but for Dylan’s sake he hoped he’d keep his nose out of it.
